Developing England's Network of Early Maths Learning Leads
Overview
Etio is delivering a national programme on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) to strengthen early mathematics education through a new network of Early Years Learning Leads specialising in Early Maths. Etio is working in partnership with Early Maths Subject Matter Experts; Dr Catherine Gripton, Dr Sue Gifford, Janine Davenall and Dr Andrea Lancaster.
The programme forms part of the Government's wider ambitions under the Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life strategy, helping improve children's mathematical development from the earliest years and strengthening school readiness across England.
Working with approximately 36 Early Maths Leads based within England's network of Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs (EYSPHs), Etio is providing expert training, new curriculum resources, quality assurance, and ongoing support to build sustainable expertise across the early years sector.
The Challenge
Mathematical understanding at age five is one of the strongest predictors of later educational attainment. Yet mathematics remains one of the areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage where fewer children achieve the expected level of development. To address this challenge, the DfE is introducing dedicated Early Maths Leads across all Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs, creating local capacity to support educators, settings and childminders.
These specialists require high-quality professional development, practical resources and sustained support to deliver effective training and bespoke improvement support. The programme also seeks to strengthen mathematical development from birth, including the creation of new learning materials focused on educators working with children under two years old.
Our Approach
Etio's role spans the full lifecycle of programme design, training delivery, quality assurance and continuous improvement.
A key element of the programme is the development of a brand-new early maths training module for educators working with children under two. Working alongside subject experts, practitioners and a DfE-appointed advisory group, Etio is creating evidence-informed learning materials that support the development of early mathematical understanding from infancy onwards. The programme includes self-directed online learning, exemplification videos, interactive content and facilitated seminars.
Alongside developing this new offer, Etio delivers a comprehensive train-the-trainer programme for Early Maths Leads, including:
- Online induction for all Early Maths Leads
- Training on coaching approaches and effective improvement planning
- Training to deliver the existing Early Years Professional Development Programme (EYPDP3) Maths module
- Training to deliver the new birth-to-two early maths programme
- Ongoing supervision and professional support
- Observation, quality assurance and peer review processes
- National and regional networks that encourage collaboration and sharing of best practice
The programme is underpinned by Etio's extensive experience delivering large-scale professional development and improving educational outcomes through evidence-informed practice.
Impact
The programme will create a strong national infrastructure for early mathematics improvement, ensuring that specialist expertise is available locally across England.
Through training and support, Early Maths Leads are equipped to:
- Deliver high-quality professional development to practitioners
- Strengthen mathematical teaching and learning across early years settings
- Support educators working with children from birth onwards
- Promote evidence-informed approaches to early mathematical development
- Improve confidence in teaching early maths
- Strengthen foundations for future attainment and school readiness
The introduction of a dedicated training offer for educators working with children under two also helps ensure that mathematical development is supported from the earliest stages of a child's learning journey.
Looking Ahead
Running from April 2026 to March 2028, with the option of a further one-year extension, the programme represents a significant investment in early mathematics education. By combining expert-led training, innovative curriculum development and a national community of practice, Etio is helping build the leadership, knowledge and capacity needed to improve mathematical outcomes for children across England.
If you are an early years practitioners looking for free CPD in early maths and/or PSED from Autumn term 2026 to March 2028, please reach out to your local Stronger Practice Hub for more information.
